The torture that the free floating sartyr of the Fygian mountains, Marsyas had to endure after he beated the divine lyr player Apollon, points out to the tragic problem within existence: The winner turns out to be the loser at the end, as can also be seen at the tragedy* of the goats singing solemnly in the memory of Dionysos, who was cursed by Hera.

The fact that people have been reflecting their pains, victories, defeats through music for ages is not just a result of mere coincidence but an emotional outcome. The exhibition ‘Call of Marsyas’, made possible with the support of Gaia Gallery, focuses on how music can be shaped in front of our eyes through plastic means rather than just looking at the emotional side of it.

The exhibition, taking place at the ancient birthplace of art, philosophy, literature, politics and poetics, brings three contemporary artists together. All the artists reflect on the modern individuals’ ongoing battle with the tragic issues just like mythologic figures would have done, for their works in the exhibition.

Contrary to her intensive use of visual effects, animation and fast paced imagery in her previous videos, Arda Yalkın chooses to focus on basic emotions for her work in the exhibition. Her multi-channel video featuring four musicians, who are all masters of improvisation, reflects on the harmony of feelings transferred to the note sheets.

As a part of her sculpture series, addressing people’s obligation to remain calm in the midst of the daily routine, Hande Şekerciler introduces an introverted character who focuses on his inner voice in order to create his own alternative reality.

Using the tragedy of the chorus members disguised as goats, Gönül Nuhoğlu expects us to question our origins, identities and destination. Asking these questions in a region where Western idea of humanity and history has originated from, brings out the hope of finding answers in the following centuries, eventually.

* The word ‘tragedy’s origins come from ‘tragodia’ in Ancient Greek. The combination of the words ‘tragos’ (goat) and ‘oidie’ (song) has the meaning of ‘goat song’ and as a part of the Ancient Greek customs, chorus members are known to disguise as goats to symbolize the god’s slaves in the festivals of Dionysus.